Well, here we are again, smack in the middle of the winter fishing season. While it may be “high season” for tourism, winter is “low season” for fishing. Many people don’t understand that especially when they read we have Sailfish, Striped Marlin and Dorado. Now this may be freakish with only a 30% or so shot, but it’s a shot you normally would not have. Those hoping to catch a bucket list fish at this time of the year, something like a Sailfish, should count their lucky stars for the slim shot they have. Everyday somebody is boating Marlin and more, but not everybody. This leaves us with only one question: Do you feel lucky?
Under big blue beautiful skies Puerto Vallarta is a fishing wonderland right now. Normally we have colder water than we do so it’s interesting to see warm water species all over the area in their “off” season. Yes folks Punta Mita is alive with some of the most desirable species we have and they’re not too far out. An eight hour fishing trip can almost make you think it’s summer! It doesn’t matter what you’re looking to catch, you have a shot, maybe a low percentage shot, but hey, it’s a shot, take a pic!
We’ve seen some cold days in the last few weeks when the cold northern currents moved in. Now we’re seeing warmer days and warmer water in the 77 degree range just move in to Corbetena. For the previous weeks we were lucky to have 74 degree waters, but with no fish to speak of. This could all change now as we’re seeing Yellowfin Tuna Footballs roaming anywhere from El Morro to Corbetena. To be honest we’re seeing water temperatures swinging all over the place. Fishing is never what you’d expect but if you’re flexible you’ll have a great day on the water!
One thing about the world of fishing is you never really know what’s happening from day to day. Fish move, water temperatures change, nothing stays the same for long. Some days you’re all smiles, others you’re not. Those “demanding” to catch fish will rest assured there are fish to be had amigos. Now if you’re going to be picky, then you could get upset and still have a great day of fishing. For now some summer species are cruising Los Arcos making short day trips worth their weight in Dorado!
For the last few weeks I’ve discouraged people from taking fishing trips longer than eight hours. Now as we surprisingly see that water temperatures have jumped back to comfortable range at Corbetena and other fishing grounds. It’s almost like late fall fishing as we even have Dorado in the area, yep I said Dorado! The Marietta Islands are showing signs of life and of course short day trips will guarantee some arm burning action for both young and old alike, Yeha!
After last week’s severe drop in water temperatures due to cold currents pushed down by northern storms water temperatures have snapped back a little. This week we’ve seen the water warm up a little so we’re seeing some, not many, summer species like Dorado still lingering taking advantage of the plentiful bait conditions. As we move deeper into the winter season these lingering Dorado will be moving out. In fact I’m surprised we still have even small numbers of Dorado and Blue Marlin, but they’re out there for the very lucky. So keep this in mind, just because there are “some” out there, doesn’t mean you’ll be the lucky one to boat a Marlin, but then again you may.
We’ve had a roller coaster week when it comes to fishing in our world famous Bay of Banderas. We’ve been pretty lucky with relatively warm water temperatures lingering later than usual into late January. This week we’ve seen dramatic changes in water temperatures which means we’re square in the middle of winter fishing with cold water species picking up in numbers as the warm water species bug out. While not surprising or devastating it doesn’t stop people from coming into the shop looking for Moby Dick! Human High Season and Fishing High Season are at opposite ends of the calendar amigos!
Once we get past the second week of January we normally see water temperatures drop. This is when the warm water species begin bugging out if they haven’t left already. Sailfish are widely spread out and thinning in numbers. Dorado can still be had, but again this is a summer species that’s hanging around for the bait. Jack Crevalls, which normally move in when the winter season starts are here and growing in numbers. All and all the summer fishing season is over, expectations now for Billfish is not realistic any longer. Fishing is still great, but from this point forward its great winter fishing amigos. Don’t be disappointed, be happy there is arm burning action for the family!
As is normally the case, coming into the middle part of January we’re seeing the abundance of warm water species start to thin out. Amazingly enough water temperatures are at 79 degrees. Which is a comfortable temperature for if you’re a Sailfish or Striped Marlin. Once again this week the bay continues to be an “all you can eat bait smorgasbord”. It’s like peole going to a food fair, we just have to try everything until we can’t put another “anything” in our mouth. But we do anyway. Same deal, the “locals” have so much to eat you have to find the one with the “munchies”. That may sound dire, but in reality for right now we’re doing well and you can get fish to take baits. If you’re looking for more of a sure thing fishing, you have the bay with action at the ready. Yes we have good fishing, but it’s never automatic amigos. For the last week or so I’ve been suggesting shorter days closer in. For the person looking for larger fish and willing to take a chance, then there are larger fish to be had.
Recently we’ve witnessed many oddities in our world famous fishing grounds. For weeks now we’ve witnessed cold swirling water mixed with warmer water temperatures that frankly are perfect for this time of the season. What this means is the warm water species are moving out, cold water species are moving in and they’re all mixed up in this fish bowl we call the Bay of Banderas. Targeting Marlin and Tuna at this time of the year is a diminishing prospect with chances of boating these treasured game fish dropping by the day. Having said that we still have some Dorado in the area and Sailfish. As the currents continue to swirl we’re also seeing species like Jack Crevalls move in with strong numbers and decent sizes. Needle fish are not exactly abundant, but increasing. Bonito are saving the day in the bay and even with all this “Swirling” going on there are still “some” Striped Marlin to be had. If you’re feeling lucky try an eight hour trip to Punta Mita. If you want more of a sure thing when it comes to action, a nice six hour bay trip will be fun, but you won’t be targeting Moby Dick!
